U -- MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN FLYING COMPUTER BASED TRAINING PROGRAM

Under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Part 6, Subparts 6.301 and 6.302, the U.S. Forest Service intends to contract with Canadian Helicopters School of Advanced Flight Training on a sole source basis to provide an interagency "flight in mountainous terrain" training syllabus that address the elements typically encountered by pilots performing U.S. Forest Service mountainous terrain missions. The training syllabus will contain individual modules that include tutorials, graphics, video demonstrations (as necessary), and module tests. The syllabus will also include a comprehensive test consisting of approximately 100 test questions that will address the entire training program. Pilots will be required to access and successfully complete all modules and pass the comprehensive test in order to establish eligibility for an interagency pilot approval to conduct operations in mountainous terrain. Canadian Helicopters School of Advanced Flight Training is dedicated primarily to the training of flight in mountainous terrain and are recognized throughout the helicopter industry for this type of training. Canadian Helicopters is also contracted annually by Helicopter Association International (HAI) to conduct Flight in Mountainous Terrain familiarization training (classroom) as a part of the educational series sponsored by HAI at their annual convention. Canadian Helicopter also provides ground and flight training to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corp., the Canadian Army, various European military organizations, and numerous civil operators. Canadian Helicopter's proven expertise and their recognition by both the Armed Services and the helicopter industry are key factors that support this sole source acquisition. Due to the highly complex and specialized nature of this training syllabus, the developer must have in-depth knowledge and proven experience in the areas of flight in mountainous terrain, incident flying, and pilot training and certification. The estimated value of this sole source acquisition is $60,000.Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, pricing, and other information that demonstrates their ability to meet the U.S. Forest Service's needs by 03 May 2007. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to Bridgit Downing, U.S. Forest Service, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), 3833 South Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705 or through email at: [email protected] This synopsis is not to be considered as a request for quotation or proposals. No solicitation document is available at this time and telephone requests will not be honored. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but offers will be used to determine if a comparable source is available and is more advantageous to the Government. If no affirmative response is received within ten (10) days from the publication of this synopsis, a contract may be issued to Canadian Helicopter without further notice.